After a relatively cool spring, the D.C. area is going to get a blast of mid-summer temperatures this weekend, and forecasters want residents to prepare.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for D.C., Arlington and the region, cautioning about “early season heat” that could cause heat illness “unless proper precautions are taken.”
The mercury is expected to rise above 90 degrees over the next three days, including an expected high temperature of 95 on Saturday, which would tie the record from 1934.
The full statement from NWS is below.
203 PM EDT Thu May 19 2022
…EARLY SEASON HEAT FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…
Temperatures will rise into the 90s Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the first time since last Autumn. Friday will be the first 90 degree day in the Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan Areas since last September. Saturday is forecast to be the hottest day of the weekend, with many locations reaching the mid-90s and heat indices approaching 100. This level of heat will continue through Sunday.
The abrupt beginning of hot temperatures early in the season after a relatively cool spring brings an increased risk of heat illnesses unless proper precautions are taken for those working or recreating outdoors.
Since many outdoor events are planned this weekend in the region, be aware of the heat, and take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside this weekend. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Plan to wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and seek shade from the sun. Schedule frequent… breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments and stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages.
Update at 4:15 p.m. — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has now been issued for most of Arlington.
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
407 PM EDT Mon May 16 2022The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning…
* Until 445 PM EDT.
* At 407 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Bull Run, or 8 miles southwest of Centreville, moving east at 40 mph.
HAZARD…70 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Waldorf, Dale City, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, Fort Washington, Fairfax, Fort Hunt, Vienna, Groveton, Falls Church, Huntington, Coral Hills, Mantua, Fort Belvoir, Woodbridge and National Harbor.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA until 4:45 PM EDT. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/5yObaSXzcn
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 16, 2022
Earlier: Arlington and surrounding areas are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
The watch is in effect until 9 p.m.
Severe storms are possible late this afternoon into the evening, forecasters say. The storms could pack damaging winds and hail.
More from social media:
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia until 9 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/vr7vujJl8A
— NWS Severe Tstorm (@NWSSevereTstorm) May 16, 2022
Weather Service likely to issue severe storm watch for DMV shortly. We expect hit or miss late afternoon and early evening storms. While not everyone will get storms, any storms that do form could produce damaging winds/hail.
Update: https://t.co/nffp1ykYD7 pic.twitter.com/wyKWKvGXfH— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 16, 2022
SPC has tightened their “enhanced risk” over our area to take a focus more on the I-95 and areas to the east. These are the areas most likely to get out under a severe thunderstorm watch soon. Latest HRRR (shown) has some clearing to DC, then storm re-firing between 4-6pm. ⛈ pic.twitter.com/KvjbHBjX9X
— Mike Thomas (@MikeTFox5) May 16, 2022
Update at 7:55 a.m. — The Flood Warning is now in effect until 4 p.m. as the rain continues throughout most of the day.
Earlier: Flooding is expected to take place in parts of Arlington overnight due to an extended period of heavy rain and storms.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for Arlington County and surrounding areas just before midnight.
From NWS:
1148 PM EDT Fri May 6 2022
…FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 AM EDT SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE…Washington DC, central Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following counties: in DC, District of Columbia. In central Maryland, Montgomery and Prince Georges. In northern Virginia, Arlington, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William.
* WHEN…Until 745 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– At 1145 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to showers and isolated thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen.
– Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
11:58 pm: flood warning until 7:45 am for DC and surrounding counties (bright green on map).
Flooding of creeks, urban areas and other low lying spots imminent with more heavy rain overnight. If you come across flooding turn around, don’t drown. https://t.co/JkheqplwFt pic.twitter.com/y6du2mwU2k
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 7, 2022
Arlington is under a Flood Watch until early Saturday.
Rain, which will be heavy at times, will fall throughout most of the day, raising the possibility of flooding, particularly near streams and low-lying areas.
The Flood Watch is in effect until 2 a.m.
More from the National Weather Service, below.
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…
WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
WHERE…DC and portions of Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: the District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Northern Fauquier, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park and Western Loudoun.
WHEN…From this afternoon through late tonight.
IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – Widespread rainfall totals of 1-3 inches are expected through tonight. This may lead to localized instances of flooding. – http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
817a: And so we begin a long, rainy stretch in the DC area. It will remain wet through the weekend. pic.twitter.com/8fGd6BKO6i
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 6, 2022
The calendar says spring but mother nature has other plans.
After a chilly and windy Sunday, it could get cold enough overnight to form frost, which in turn could kill sensitive plants. That’s according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a Frost Advisory for Arlington and much of the D.C. area.
The advisory, which goes into effect at midnight and is set to lift at 9 a.m., advises residents to “take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”
More from NWS:
336 PM EDT Sun Apr 10 2022
…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM EDT MONDAY…
* WHAT…Temperatures around 33 to 36 degrees will result in frost formation.
* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas, northern and central Maryland as well as northern and central Virginia.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Monday.
* IMPACTS…Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.
Chilly conditions are expected tonight and a Frost Advisory is in effect for most of the area. See the map for additional details. pic.twitter.com/De2ffVSyXA
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 11, 2022
(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) More than 800 Dominion customers are without power in parts of Clarendon, Lyon Village and Cherrydale.
The outage was reported around 1:30 p.m. Police are on scene along Wilson Blvd in Clarendon, helping to direct traffic that backed up as a result of stop lights going dark.
Dominion says the cause of the outage is a “circuit out.”
Rain and wind have been picking up this afternoon, ahead of potential severe weather later today. The National Weather Service has now issued both a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Wind Advisory for Arlington — as well as much of the region.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch bas been issued for all of our area. A couple of tornadoes possible, isolated hail, and widespread 70MPH wind gusts is expected. pic.twitter.com/qIYYKhuTUr
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) March 31, 2022
Forecasters say that wind gusts up to 50 mph may bring down trees and large branches. From NWS:
141 PM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…District of Columbia, and portions of central, northern and southern Maryland, central and northern Virginia and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Isolated tree damage and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Peggy Fox, a spokeswoman for the power company, said this morning that residents should charge their mobile devices in anticipation of the expected windy weather.
Strong wind gusts may bring down branches & trees today!
Plan for possible outages:1. Charge devices
2. Download @DominionEnergy app. Reporting outage on app or website gets quickest response
3. Be Safe—stay away from downed lines
4. Please don’t plant trees near lines pic.twitter.com/31W65QUlvE— Peggy Fox (@PeggyDomEnergy) March 31, 2022
Arlington County is now under a Flood Watch, until 6 a.m. Thursday.
The watch was issued just after 11 p.m. Storms and periods of heavy rain are expected overnight, leading to the possibility of flooding in the area.
From the National Weather Service:
1104 PM EDT Wed Mar 23 2022
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Howard, Prince Georges and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Southern Fauquier and Stafford.
* WHEN…Until 6 AM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Rainfall rates of 1-2 inches an hour overnight may result in localized flooding of roadways.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/floodPRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
More via social media:
A Flood Watch has been issued until 6 AM Thursday for the DC and Baltimore metro areas. As locally heavier showers work their way northeastward, rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are possible. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/ydtlDE5BUh
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 24, 2022
1130p: Thunderstorm with some heavy downpours has moved inside Beltway – passing through Arlington and Alexandria and will head into District, S Montgomery and northern Prince Geo counties next hour. pic.twitter.com/EqDjjc7SmM
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) March 24, 2022
It’s going to be a foggy night.
Arlington and much of the region is now under a Dense Fog Advisory. The advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.
Forecasters warn of “visibility down to one quarter mile in dense fog” and “hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.”
“If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you,” said the National Weather Service.
Dense Fog Advisory in effect thru early Friday morning. pic.twitter.com/63ysyRP9zm
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 18, 2022
Update at 3 p.m. — Snow is starting to taper off. Roads are mostly clear, after just over an inch of snow fell on Arlington.
Update at 9 a.m. — Snow continues to fall amid strong winds, reducing visibility and causing slick conditions on some paved surfaces. All lanes of westbound I-66 are currently closed at Spout Run due to a crash. It’s unclear whether the crash is weather related.
LOCATION: I-66 WB/Spout Run Pkwy
INCIDENT: Traffic Collision
IMPACT: All lanes I-66 westbound at the Spout Run Parkway intersection are currently closed. Seek an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/8gyRcHnjEN— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) March 12, 2022
Earlier: Frozen precipitation is now falling on Arlington and forecasters warn that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
Rain is changing over to snow as temperatures fall and strong wind gusts whip up, thanks to a strong cold front and storm system making its way up the East Coast.
In addition to the earlier Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Advisory, the National Weather Service this morning issued a Special Weather Statement urging extra caution on the road if you absolutely must travel during the “near blizzard conditions” expected later this morning.
646 AM EST Sat Mar 12 2022
…RAPIDLY DETERIORATING CONDITIONS THIS MORNING…
Rain will change to snow over the Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas as well as northeastern Maryland by 9 AM this morning from northwest to southeast. Snowfall rates around one to two inches per hour are expected through late this morning along with rapidly falling temperatures below freezing. Despite the recent warm conditions, snow is expected to stick on many surfaces, causing travel disruptions.
Strong northwest winds with gusts around 45 to 55 mph are expected during this time, causing snow and possible blowing snow to reduce visibility below one-half mile at times. Near blizzard conditions are expected.
Please use extra caution if you have to travel.
More from the Capital Weather Gang:
7:10a: Temps plummeting as transition from rain to snow is occurring in central Fairfax and Montgomery counties. Most places west of DC now in 30s. Dulles: 13F drop in 2 hours, w/ snow. Winds howling, widespread gusts to 30-40 mph.
Updates: https://t.co/kNe0wxSSNy pic.twitter.com/4BIJBijmwY— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) March 12, 2022
Get ready for a wintry and windy Saturday.
A Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Advisory, both of which take effect Saturday morning, were just issued for Arlington. Forecasters expect wind gusts up to 55 mph and snow accumulation of 2-4 inches as a storm system moves up the East Coast.
From the National Weather Service:
325 PM EST Fri Mar 11 2022
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Northwest winds will gust around 45 to 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of central and northeastern Maryland, northern and central Virginia, and the District of Columbia, including most of the DC and Baltimore metros.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday. Rain will change to snow between 7 and 9 AM early Saturday. The steadiest snow will be through Saturday morning.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Visibility may be reduced to below one- quarter mile at times. Brief near blizzard conditions are possible between 8 and 11 AM.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Also from NWS:
326 PM EST Fri Mar 11 2022
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SATURDAY TO 1 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of northern and central Maryland, northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia including the DC and Baltimore metro areas.
* WHEN…From 6 AM Saturday to 1 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down. Several power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A few gusts to around 60 mph are possible. Strong winds may persist into early Sunday morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Prepare for power outages.
The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang is a bit more measured in terms of its snow accumulation prediction for Arlington, calling for a coating to 2-3 inches of snow accumulation, with higher amounts north and west.
The storm is expected to start as rain before changing over to snow mid-morning. In such scenarios, snows crews typically do not pre-treat roadways as the treatment would be washed away by the time the frozen precipitation starts.
VDOT said Friday afternoon that its plow crews are ready to tackle the snowy onslaught, while asking drivers to stay at home if at all possible.
VDOT Northern Virginia crews are ready for winter weather that is forecast to impact the region Saturday. The forecast shows precipitation starting as rain and turning to snow. Residents should be ready for high wind gusts and below freezing temperatures.
As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts and plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during winter weather.
What’s Happening Now
- See the Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service for precipitation for Saturday. The forecast includes periods of rain and accumulating snow, as well as increased winds. Please continue to monitor forecasts closely as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
- Crews will mobilize overnight to treat state-maintained roads. Please drive with caution around plow trucks as they are heavy and move slowly.
- Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, causing potential icy conditions. Treat anything that looks wet as if it could be icy, especially bridges, ramps, overpasses, and elevated surfaces. If there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.
Storm response crews will be ready for possible accumulations/icy conditions from tomorrow's expected late winter event. Remember: Plowing only takes place with at least 2 inches of snow on roads. Know the phases: https://t.co/DuInmBchJW #ArlWX pic.twitter.com/va1nYDBlGh
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) March 11, 2022
Winter Weather Advisories have been expanded eastward to include much of the I-95 corridor for Saturday morning. Wind Advisories are also in effect for much of the area. This paired with heavy, wet snowfall could lead to some power outages, especially where heaviest snow falls. pic.twitter.com/Ia9bez8Wt2
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 11, 2022
Enjoy today’s potentially record-breaking warmth while it lasts — by midnight it will be gone with the wind (and storms).
A Wind Advisory has been issued for the D.C. area today and will take effect at 11 a.m. Forecasters say gusts of up to 50 mph are possible this afternoon and evening.
More from the National Weather Service:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM EST TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected shifting to northwest this evening.
* WHERE…Portions of The District of Columbia, central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland and central, northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 1 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, to be careful when driving, and to prepare for possible power outages.
Think of the carts. https://t.co/hLZrAitF6r
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) March 7, 2022
In addition to the wind, thunderstorms are possible today starting around 4 or 5 p.m. The storms could be severe.
On the back end of the storms, expect falling temperatures and a couple hours of rain.
The Storm Prediction Center currently has most of our area under "Slight Risk" due to the threat of damaging winds and isolated lightning mainly during the afternoon and evening hours. Stay weather aware today! #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/YiVQi3lKiA
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 7, 2022
